Area III's quarterly newsletter, the Bell-O-Gram, regularly includes "Special Delivery!" - a special offering of a one or two page piece or exercise for choirs and directors to copy and use. Submissions for "Special Delivery!" are now being accepted. If you have a small piece, a processional, an introit or hymn introduction that others would enjoy, please submit it for consideration! Copy-ready scores (8.5" x 11") should be sent to Kath Wissinger - 1050 Cemetery Rd. - McGaheysville, Va. 22840. You may also include a paragraph of performance notes on a separate page. Pieces are accepted and used as space permits. Pieces must be original or of public domain tunes. Copyright is retained by the composer, with permission granted for Bell-O-Gram receivers to copy and use the piece within their own choirs. All other uses require permission from the composer. No fees or royalties are paid to the composer. No submitted scores will be returned. Want to see your work in print and available to hundreds of choirs? Here's a quick and easy way! "Special Delivery!" For more information - contact Kath at Longwalk3@aol.com.

Area III Composition Contest

More fun for composers! Area III is sponsoring a composition contest for Area III 2007 Festivals - which will highlight double choir compositions. Submission deadline is June 1, 2006. See http://areaiii.org/events/composition_contest.htm for complete rules. The winning piece will be offered to AGEHR for publishing.

CONTEST PARAMETERS

1. Two compatible handbell scores of a single piece in 2-3 and 3-5 octave versions.
2. Option (not required on entries): Inclusion of optional solo instrument and/or 2-3 octaves of chimes.
3. Two to four minutes performance time.
4. Celebratory in nature.
5. Original: An original composition, not based on any other tune, whether public domain or not.
6. Level 2+ through level 3. (The 2-3 octave score may be somewhat easier than the 3-5 octave score.)
7. Appropriate for massed ringing for an Adult Festival and a Youth Festival.
8. Area III reserves the right to determine a suitable dedication line upon publication.

Area III Spring Festival Conferences

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER FOR AN AREA III SPRING FESTIVAL:

Three to chose from - in Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. You may register as an individual and may even sign up for a "Classes Only" option if you don't have music prepared. Lots of music, learning, shopping and camaraderie!!

Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, N. C.
March 3 and 4, 2006
Intergenerational Handbell Festival
Bill Alexander, Guest Conductor

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Ocean City, MD
March 10 and 11, 2006
Adult Handbell Festival
David Weck, Guest Conductor

Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton, Va.
March 31 and April 1, 2006
Adult Handbell Festival
Bill Alexander, Guest Conductor
Carol Feather Martin, Genesis Track Conductor